ok so last time I posted this question about having stools that look like ribbons and were pretty hard to get to pass, many people said that they had this symptom before and that it was nothing to worry about.

a month later, nothing has changed for me. maybe even worse now, trips to the bathroom with nothing bus gas and mucous...but i know i have to go? i have to sit there for a good 5 minutes before anything will happen

has this happened to anyone and for this long? should I be concerned is my real question?????

xo22 years oldDiagnosed with UC June 2005 at age 19Just graduated from Virginia Tech

Sounds as if you have rectal inflammation, as these are classic symptoms. You really need rectal meds - preferably Mesalamine enemas or suppositories. If they're totally out of the question because of cost, Cortifoam mingh help. Because oral meds don't reach the rectal area, this may never improve without rectal medications.

Judy

Moderate to severe left-sided UC (21 cm) diagnosed 2001.

Avascular necrosis in both shoulders is my "forever" gift from Entocort.

Yes, I've had those symptoms. I agree with Judy, you need rectal meds. Another cheap option (though not as strong and may not work as well) is hydrocortisone suppositories, often prescribed for hemorrhoids. These, along with Canasa (mesalamine suppositories) are helping me. They are about 50 cents each, so very affordable even without prescription insurance.40, femaleDx ulcerative proctitis, 3-5 cm, June 2008 (after 5 weeks of blood and mucous) and still flaringCanasa 1000 mg suppositories and 2 tsp smooth texture Metamucil nightly 25 mg hydrocortisone suppositories and 1 Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra in a.m.Effexor 37.5, Remeron 30 mg, Clonazepam .5 mg (or more) and Trazodone 75 mg for sleep/anxiety2.5 mg methimazole for thyroidTrying acupunctureOsteopenia and other assorted ailments

I have these ribbon shaped stools since almost three months. It comes from rectal inflammation and swelling, my doctor just assured me today (I was worried about that, too). Although I do use Rowasa and Cortenema alternately (started again tonight while tapering off Prednisone), the ribbon thingies stick around for quite sometime. I haven't seen a normally formed stool in a loooong looooong time either.

So don't worry about it, I am in the same boat. Once the swelling in the rectum goes FINALLY down a bit, the shape thingies will disappear.

A ribbon shaped stool looks - like the name implies - like a ribbon. It is not round and thick as a normal stool (let's say a normal stool form resembles a cigar), but flat and thin. It is often not thicker as toothpaste in diameter (at least in my case) and just squeezed flat as if you stepped in dog poop outside on the sidewalk.

Ok, guess that was very graphic, but educational! Pancolitis since 3/1997

IBSers are also prone to ribbon shaped stools and there is no inflammation involved with IBS (Bizarre to say the least), definitely report any changes to your GI as he will hopefully be able to guide you with this.

:)My bum is broken....there's a big crack down the middle of it! LOL :)